cetyl-m for rabbits

Question
Dana,

I have a 10-year-old Rex with severe osteoarthritis. I'm doing everything I can to make her more comfortable, and plan to start her on cetyl-m this week. (She has already been given a steroid injection and Adequan, plus Metacam for pain.) Do you know how long it will take to show results from the cetyl-m? She is struggling to get around, and I don't want her to suffer like this much longer. If she doesn't improve, I am going to need to put her down. I'm just not sure how long I should give for the cetyl-m to work.

thank you.

Answer
Dear Audrey

I've not used this myself, but I've heard from others that 2-3 weeks are needed for cetyl-M to show results.  I hope it will work for your bunny.

Is she just generally creaky, or is she showing signs of hind-end weakness/paresis?  If the latter, this may be more than just OA.  It could be E. cuniculi.  This can be treated with fenbendazole and/or ponazuril.


And as a side note, just my opinion...
Please do consider keeping her comfortable with pain meds, even if she is not very mobile.  We don't euthanize humans because they are creaky and need a wheelchair.  If she is eating and getting enjoyment out of life, then I would hesitate to end her life unless she is in terrible, terminal pain without hope of relief.  We have nursed many a bedridden bunny through their golden years though they have been confined to a comfortable bed of hospital fleece.  

Is it hard for you to see her like this, or is it hard for her to live like this?  Look into her eyes and ask her if she wants to die.  Then you will know what you need to do.

I hope this helps.

Dana